Tuesday 26 February 2013 09.28 EST
First published on Tuesday 26 February 2013 09.28 EST

David Beckham will make his first start for Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday's Cup de France home tie against Marseille.

Carlo Ancelotti, the PSG coach, said: "He will start tomorrow. Beckham can play the whole match."

Beckham made his first appearance for the club as a second-half substitute in the 2-0 Ligue 1 home win, also against Marseille, on Sunday. The 37-year-old could again face Joey Barton, who played for Marseille at the weekend.

Ancelotti said: "He will play defensive midfielder. He has the experience and skills to help us.

"It's an important position on the pitch, he has to help the team in building the game. As we already know, he also has quality for taking set-pieces."

Beckham played a part in the second PSG goal and proved to Ancelotti that he is ready to start. He will replace the suspended midfielder Marco Verratti and play alongside Blaise Matuidi or Clément Chantôme.

Ancelotti said: "He will play instead of Verratti. This is an important position on the field, it will help the team in building the game and have good positioning."

He said of the media circus that has surrounded Beckham: "I understand that there has been an infatuation with him, but above all I like the Beckham who is at the centre of training. He works, he is humble every day."